The People's Money (2022-2023)

What problem would you like to solve?

Isolation, poor health (obesity), violence, lack of community in the neighborhood

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

There is a great need to rebuild connectivity among youth and elders affected by the pandemic and violence in the neighborhood. Our block has been gentrified and yet, there are no public programs to help people ease into this adjust. The pandemic has made things worse. You have to be guarded, most people walk around scared and stay indoors. There is lack of clean food in our hood

What idea do you have to address the problem?

Host workshops in the local gardens in the neighborhood to connect elder and youth to do activities that engage them to learn about local history, build skills in gardening, and other activities like storytelling, exercise, and art/crafts that reflect the community and bridge the gap between elders and youth with arts and horticulture in a safe space. This will help our youth and elders to learn skills with nature, learn about healthy eating, be active for health, build a connection a cultural connections between generations and learn about the more each other’s lives

Who would that help?

This will help community members living in the neighborhood for generations as well as new immigrants. Rebuild what was lost from gentrification and covid in our Melrose neighborhood

What NYC borough would benefit from your idea?

Bronx in the Melrose area mostly